‘Pushpa-Style’ ganja smuggling foiled in Bolangir; 2 peddlers from Chhattisgarh arrested

Bolangir Town Police on Saturday busted a ganja smuggling racket in which the contraband was transported using a method inspired by a plot from the popular movie Pushpa, where illegal goods are concealed in specially designed secret chambers. Police seized the car used in the operation, recovered a large quantity of ganja and arrested two persons in connection with the case.

According to police sources, a special team was formed after receiving reliable intelligence inputs about ganja being smuggled through the Bolangir–Titlagarh road. Acting swiftly, the team laid a trap and kept strict surveillance on the route. When a suspicious car approached, the police intercepted it and detained the occupants for questioning.

During the initial search, nothing unusual was found. However, suspecting foul play, the police carried out a detailed inspection of the vehicle. They subsequently detected a hidden chamber skillfully created inside the front dashboard of the car. On opening the secret compartment, the police recovered bundles of ganja concealed inside the chamber.

In the presence of a magistrate, the police formally seized 24 packets of ganja from the vehicle. The car used for smuggling was also confiscated. Two persons were arrested on the spot, and preliminary inquiry revealed that both accused are residents of neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Their identities have been withheld pending further investigation.

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Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Senior officials said the method used to hide the contraband indicatedBol a high level of planning and professional execution. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the ganja, its intended destination, and to identify any links to a larger inter-state drug trafficking network.